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Second Generation UMTS PC Card Receives GCF Compliance

24th December, 2004

US : Voluntary Certification Process Ensures the Highest Quality and Network Interoperability for Novatel Wireless' Merlin U630 PC Card

Novatel Wireless announced that its second generation Merlin U630 UMTS Wireless PC Card Modem has received industry compliance from the Global Certification Forum (GCF). GCF is a partnership between network operators and terminal manufacturers that provides an independent program to ensure global interoperability of 2.5 and 3G mobile wireless terminals. GCF is a globally recognized program that complements existing regional regulatory certification requirements.

GCF compliance involved several hundred product lab test cases and extensive field trials that measured the Merlin U630's performance on different 2.5 and 3G networks in Europe. Field tests of the Merlin U630 took place on live operator networks in Germany, Ireland, Italy and the UK. The testing conducted to achieve GCF certification ensures that the Merlin U630 will have the highest reliability and functionality on UMTS and GSM/GPRS mobile networks throughout Asia, Africa, Europe and the Middle East, and that it has been designed, manufactured and tested to an agreed standard. Wireless operators benefit by knowing that GCF certified devices will perform optimally on networks, providing customers with seamless roaming.

The Merlin U630 offers wireless data access at speeds up to 384 kilobits per second (kbps) on uplink and downlink channels on UMTS 2100 MHz bands in Asia, Africa, Europe and the Middle East and up to 53.6 kbps on GSM/GPRS 900/1800/1900 MHz bands worldwide. By inserting the PC Card into a laptop, subscribers have access to email, the Internet and corporate databases, so they can stay productive while working away from the office.

"Novatel Wireless' Merlin U630 went through extensive testing in terms of quality and performance in order to meet the GCF's strict certification requirements," said David Trevayne-Smith, technical director for 7 Layers, an engineering service company with expertise in the testing and qualification sector for wireless communications technology and products. "Not only did we conduct on-site laboratory tests, but the Merlin U630 was also field trialed on live 2.5 and 3G networks to a plan that exceeded the requirements for the GCF certification, ensuring the product delivered optimal performance over a multitude of network configurations. The Merlin U630 stood out on top of all the tests and definitely deserves the GCF certification recognition for its advanced UMTS technology."

"As a current member of GCF, Novatel Wireless realized the competitive advantage GCF certification provided when it comes to working with network operators," said Dr. Slim Souissi, chief technology officer at Novatel Wireless. "We will continue to ensure our 3G PC Cards meet GCF compliance standards so mobile workers will have the best user experience while accessing mobile high-speed broadband across the world. In September of this year we received ISO 9001:2000 certification. Achieving GCF certification for the Merlin U630 is further testament that our products exceed international standards and are best in class."

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